Geology, BS
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Science / major
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Curriculum Guide
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- Department of Geosciences
Program Contact
- Mr. John F. Beltz
-
Professor of Instruction, Undergraduate Advisor
330 972-6687
Overview
Geology is the study of Earth's materials, structures and processes and how they’ve changed through time. This knowledge may be applied to exploration for natural resources, including metals, petroleum and water; understanding natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides; addressing problems associated with environmental contamination; and investigating Earth’s history to understand the evolution of life and global climate change.
Core courses provide the fundamentals in:
- physical and historical geology
- mineralogy and petrography
- structural geology and plate tectonics
- sedimentology, paleontology and stratigraphy
This degree program can be tailored to a major field of interest by taking additional courses in the supporting sciences, mathematics and engineering fields.
Admissions Requirements
Students must meet the general admission requirements for The University of Akron.
Career Outcomes
A B.S. in Geology prepares you for positions in environmental consulting, resource exploration, water management, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and academia. You can also pursue graduate programs in geology, environmental science, or related disciplines. Career paths include:
Environmental geologist
Petroleum or mining geologist
Hydrogeologist
Geophysicist
Paleontologist
GIS or remote sensing specialist
Graduates with internship or research experience stand out to employers and often advance quickly in their careers.
Say YES to Geosciences
Discover the spaces, resources and opportunities that make geosciences at Akron a place to learn, explore and connect.
Modern Learning Spaces
Newly renovated Crouse Hall
Study in renovated Crouse Hall with modern classrooms, auditoriums and collaborative learning spaces.
Advanced Resources
State-of-the-Art Labs
Analyze rock, sediment, and water using advanced instrumentation, including scanning electron microscopes and geochemistry facilities.
Explore our Labs
Field experience
Learn Outdoors
Study rocks, landscapes and environmental systems during field trips and hands-on geological exploration.
Hands-On Learning
From field trips to research, gain real-world experience that prepares you for careers in the geosciences.
Summer Field Camp
Spend five weeks in South Dakota and Wyoming mapping, collecting data, and interpreting geology alongside faculty mentors.
Research with Faculty
Work alongside faculty to investigate rocks, water and environmental change using modern field and laboratory techniques.
Study Earth Systems
Investigate water resources, environmental change and Earth processes that shape landscapes and ecosystems.